[Man Cave] Essential Wii Games

As you’ve seen, the Man Cave is chock-full of gadgets and pleasantries. Not only do we have a giant TV with surround sound, but we’re also throwing in the top-of-the-line video game systems to blow your mind. Kick back on that comforter and take a look at some of the best games the Nintendo Wii has to offer.

While not the most powerful video game system on the market, the Nintendo Wii is leading the console wars with impressive sales numbers. The Wii’s killer feature is its motion sensing controllers which set it apart from the competition.

Competitors like Sony and Microsoft took notice and have released their own interactive accessories, but it may be too little too late- the announcement of the Wii’s successor will be revealed at E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) this coming June.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

At first glance we could tell Smash Bros. was something special. The concept is simple: take characters from the most popular Nintendo video game franchises and pit them against each other in a no-holds barred death match.

The third installment in the popular series, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, introduces even more characters to the fracas including players from non-Nintendo franchises like Sonic the Hedgehog and Solid Snake. The gameplay is fast and furious, with diverse characters that will fit any players profile. Check it out, if you haven’t already.

Donkey Kong Country Returns

Many of us who grew up in the 90’s have fond memories of the original Donkey Kong Country for the SNES. So when Nintendo announced this long-awaited sequel, we were a bit hesitant. Too often companies try to re-hash childhood classics hoping to make a quick buck selling to nostalgic adults.

Fortunately, Nintendo isn’t one of those companies. They spared no expense recreating the look the feel of the original Donkey Kong while updating the graphics and incorporating the Wii’s unique motion controls. Donkey Kong Country Returns reminds us that DK is back and better than ever, but make no mistake, this game is just as difficult as the original. Be prepared to replay a few levels. Lucky for us, they’re all a blast.

Mad World

The Nintendo Wii is often criticized for lacking mature, serious titles. Mad World is a prime example of why those criticisms are groundless. With a color scheme consisting of three colors (black, white and red) Mad World is chock full of dismembered limbs, uncensored F-bombs and severed heads.

Underneath the gratuitous violence is a well designed adventure title with solid game play mechanics. Made by the same studio that produced such classics as Viewtiful Joe and Okami, Mad World will surely impress while simultaneously silencing those who would chastise the Wii for being too ‘childish.’

New Super Mario Bros.

With classic gameplay and a nostalgic presentation, Nintendo’s latest entry into the Mario Bros. franchise is worth picking up. New Super Mario Bros. Wii features four player simultaneously co-op game play, this title will be a big hit if you’ve got enough friends and enough Wii-motes to take advantage of it.

Classic items like the mushroom are back, while others have a new twist like the ice flower. The only real criticism we have is that it’s over all too quickly. Fortunately, like past Mario titles, this game has loads of replay potential.

Warioware: Smooth Moves

Featuring some of the most bizarre gameplay we’ve ever seen, Warioware is (somehow) one of the most entertaining titles we’ve played. The game itself is made up of a series of mini-games which are presented back-to-back in a frantic and frenetic fashion.

Warioware makes excellent use of Wii’s motion controls, and we found its highly stylized format simultaneously hilarious and bizarre. Fortunately there are an equal number of parts which will have you rolling with laughter.

You Don’t Know Jack

We promise this isn’t a shameless plug. You Don’t Know Jack is a classic trivia franchise that we remember playing on our PCs back in the day. We’d all but forgotten about this classic till we saw the Wii edition released. Witty writing and a polished presentation have helped this franchise survive all these years, and this latest version is just as sharp as its predecessors.

Hosted by the smarmy Cookie Masterson, each episode of this game is made up of 10 questions, two rounds, plenty of screws and the infamous ’Wrong Answer of the Game’. We don’t feel like explaining all that so you’ll have to trust us – this game is worth buying.

Mario Kart

Every iteration of the Mario Kart franchise has been a huge hit and Mario Kart Wii is no exception. Featuring the same classic kart racing we love, this newest entry features more weapons, more characters and new stages.

Somehow, in spite of the excellent new stages, the feature we loved most was the inclusion of select classic stages from older generations of Mario Kart. That’s right folks, you’ll still be able to trounce your friends at Waluigi Stadium once again. On top of everything, Nintendo has integrated online play, so you can kick butt against opponents all over the world.

One Comment

Nintendo Wii is indeed and officially established itself in the gaming world scene. For adult and young fans alike, it offers an equal fun factor that is usually hard to be matched by other gaming consoles. It is known that Nintendo Wii can be quite expensive; the main Wii console is not the only one that is expensive, but its game discs as well.